Former England captain Owen Farrell has opened up for the first time on the ugly abuse she has copped on social media.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
“I don’t really try to look too much into it and obviously it’s hard to get away from nowadays,” Farrell said.
“You kind of feel it at times, but you’d be wrong to entertain it too much because anyone’s opinion I respect or anyone who I think of or anyone I know, to be honest, I wouldn’t see them going into comments sections and writing stuff.
“My thoughts would be why would I think about it too much? But you do get a sense of it. I deleted social media for the whole of the World Cup. You still feel it’s there, but the one thing that stays constant is you try to be your best.”
He said: “The World Cup was difficult at times, but I really enjoyed the playing side of it and the being involved side,”
“I was trying to get back to enjoying my rugby, loving what I’m doing, and I’m enjoying it now.
“It’s never one thing why you come to a decision. Normally it’s a lot of things which come together which make those decisions.
“I thought it would be best for me and my family, there’s a change happening next year off the back of it. I’ve done that because I think it will be good for me and I hope that will give me the space to get back to enjoying what I’m doing.”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”